Bishop's Castle Town Council Meeting
2nd February 2010

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP’S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2010 AT 8.OOPM

PRESENT       Councillor K.E.C.Pinches, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors:     J. M. Carroll, S Farr, M Furber, J Gaffney, N. Hird, M. E. Holton, J Magill, Dr St J Penney, M. Stanley and R.D. Wright.

In attendance:  Mrs D J Malley (Town Clerk)

1.  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor W.J. Morris (illness).
It was proposed by Councillor Holton and seconded by Councillor Gaffney and duly resolved that the apologies be accepted

2.  DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Councillor Dr Penney declared a prejudicial interest in item 6a)i) as a Trustee for the property.
Councillor Stanley declared a prejudicial interest in items 6a)ii) and 15a) as she lives and has a business attached to the Town Hall.
Councillor Hird declared a personal interest in 6a)ii), 8a) and 8b) as he is the member who has been involved in the applications and is the contact point with the contractors.
Councillor Hird also declared a personal interest in 6a)iii) as he is the secretary for Bishops Castle Community Hospital Equipment Fund.

3.APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 5th JANUARY 2010

With the amendment of:
2. Dr Penney declared an interest in item 6v as a member of the Castle Land Trust.
It was proposed by Councillor Wright and seconded by Councillor Dr Penney and duly resolved that the amended minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 5th January 2010 be signed by the Mayor as a true record.

4.  MATTERS ARISING

Request for no footway signs on B4358
The location has been inspected by an officer at Shropshire Council who has reported the approach from Lagden Lane, forward visibility to Cottage Farm is good, therefore signage will not be erected.  However the approach from Bishops Castle is around a bend and therefore a new sign for this end will be ordered as soon as the budget permits.

High level roof repair to the Town Hall
Peter Napier has prepared 2 schedule of works, one for the roof repairs only and the second for the remaining works required to the upper level of the Town Hall.  South Shropshire Roofing has been spoken to regarding the recommendations to the roof. South Shropshire Roofing still feels the whole roof should be replaced. Therefore Mr Napier suggests the following approach:
Go out to tender for the other high level suggestions and then carry out a more detailed inspection of the roof whilst the scaffolding has been erected.  South Shropshire Roofing were satisfied with this approach but have asked that they be invited to tender for the other works. 
Mr Napier suggests the following companies be invited to tender, the first three companies he has worked with previously and knows their work to be good in relation to listed buildings and conservation areas:-
IJ Preece Ltd
Conservation Building Services
Croft Building and Conservation
South Shropshire Roofing.

It was questioned if local builders should be asked to tender, Councillor Carroll pointed out that the tender documentation is substantial and Mr Napier has produced it at a cost to him. Councillor Gaffney proposed to ask two local builders, Chris Evans and Paul Davis, if they would like to tender for the work. Seconded by Councillor Holton. Eight votes for, three votes against.

Litterbin outside the Co-op
A reply was sent to say that the location is not considered safe nor sufficient litter found on inspections to warrant the cost.  The clerk will respond to this letter to point out there is already an unsatisfactory bin at this location that could merely be replaced.

Notice Board
A letter was sent to the manager of the Co-op, unfortunately a reply is yet to be received. The clerk is to chase up a response.

Yellow lines in Bishop’s Castle
There is to be another site meeting held in February, this outcome of the site meeting will be reported to the March meeting of the Town Council.

5.   MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK

Mr Clarke addressed the Town Council regarding agenda item 6a)i) planning application 10/00036/TCA, land adjacent to Holly Cottage, 23 Castle Street, to fell one semi mature birch tree and one hazel tree growing against boundary wall.  Mr Clarke stated he is a neighbour of the property and had approached the owners of the property because the trees were causing damage to the boundary wall, mortar from the wall was crumbling onto his drive.

                  6.   TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:

1. The following Planning applications were considered: -

Having declared a prejudicial interest Councillor Dr Penney left the meeting

1. 10/00036/TCA – Land adj. Holly Cottage, 23 Castle Street. To fell one semi mature birch tree and one hazel tree growing against boundary wall at rear of building within Bishop’s Castle Conservation Area.  It was proposed by Councillor Magill to make no objection. Councillor Stanley disagreed stating she had looked at the wall and could see no evidence of damage; the birch is a beautiful tree, the hazel was smaller and less important. Councillor Hird reported that silver birches were not deep rooted and can come down easily in high winds. Councillor Stanley proposed objection due to the effect on the Conservation area, seconded by Councillor Wright. Four in favour, three against and duly resolved.

Councillor Dr Penney rejoined the meeting
Having declared a prejudicial interest Councillor Stanley left the meeting

1. 09/03610/FUL - The Town Hall, High Street. Installation of 2no. Photovoltaic renewable energy cells on roof.  It was proposed by Councillor Carroll, seconded by Councillor Hird and duly resolved that the Council make no objection to the proposal.

Councillor Stanley rejoined the meeting.

1.  09/03966/FUL - Bishop’s Castle Community Hospital, Stone House, Union Street. Erection of medical gases store. It was proposed by Councillor Carroll, seconded by Councillor Hird and duly resolved that the Council make no objection.

1.  10/00105/AGR – Farm Buildings and Land, rear of The Pines House, Colebatch.  Erection of one agricultural building for storage of machinery/tools and toilet/washing facilities.  It was proposed by Councillor Carroll, seconded by Councillor Stanley and duly resolved that the Town Council make no objection to the proposal on the proviso there is a condition to the permission that the building should not be made into residential in the future.

1. 09/02842/FUL – Longhope, The Cabin. Erection of extension to dwelling (revised scheme). It was proposed by Councillor Farr, seconded by Councillor Hird and duly resolved that the Council make no objection.

1. 09/03802/FUL – Applegarth, Union Street. Erection of extension to dwelling.   It was proposed by Councillor Carroll that this be delegated to the clerk to respond. Seconded by Councillor Gaffney and duly resolved.

b) Reports of Planning Applications.

1. 09/03706/TCA – Malthouse, 20 Welsh Street. No objection
2. 09/03707/TCA – The Laurels, 23 Welsh Street. No objection
3. 09/03851/TCA – Tree pruning in Castle Green. Permission Granted

7.  ACCOUNTS –
a) Councillors considered the schedule of accounts for payment.

It was proposed by Councillor Gaffney, seconded by Councillor Dr Penney and duly resolved that the accounts listed below be approved

8. SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL SYSTEM
a)  Councillor Hird proposed the Town Council accept the grant offer made by Community Sustainable Energy Programme. It was confirmed there was now enough grant money to fund the whole project. Seconded by Councillor Gaffney and duly resolved.  
b) Councillor Hird explained that the framework contract for the photovoltaic cells limits the companies that can install the photovoltaic cells due to the recommendations of DTI and the specialist nature of the work. Councillor Hird reported that Dulas Ltd is a long standing company and is accepted under the DTI framework agreement. Councillor Hird proposed to accept the contract of work between the Town Council and Dulas Ltd for the installation of the photovoltaic cells subject to planning approval. Seconded by Councillor Wright and duly resolved.
9. PERSONNEL/STAFFING COMMITTEE
a) It was proposed by Councillor Dr Penney to appoint Councillors Farr, Wright, Hird and Carroll to the Personnel and Staffing Committee. Seconded by Councillor Magill and duly resolved.
b) It was proposed by Councillor Gaffney to make available the funding for the Personnel and Staffing Committee to attend the training course provided by SALC on Line Management. Seconded by Councillor Magill and duly resolved.
10. TEME LEISURE MANAGMENT OF SPARC
a) The clerk summarised the letter received from Shropshire Council in answer to the points raised by the Town Council. Councillor Carroll gave a short report of the Scrutiny Panel meeting where the matter was reviewed. It would appear there has been a misunderstanding regarding the charges, for the majority of users the charges have not doubled. There is now a minimum time of one hour in which the gym can be used, this was increased from half an hour because it was thought that users are more likely to injure themselves by not properly warming up.  Since Teme Leisure has taken over the management of SpArC the annual membership has increased from 7 members to 83 members. The direct debit administration fee is a one off fee which is also payable at Ludlow and Cleobury Mortimer Leisure Centres. However there is the facility to freeze the direct debit payments if a customer is unable to attend for a period of time. Teme Leisure also offer a passport to leisure facility for those on low income. It was thought Teme Leisure now has a good working relationship with the community and although there were originally problems between Teme Leisure and the Community College and ESWS, these relations have now improved.
b) Councillor Carroll proposed to invite Mr Peter Williams, C.E.O. of Teme Leisure to a future meeting of the Town Council to address the council about the management of SpArC. Seconded by Councillor Wright and it was duly resolved.
Councillor Dr Penney proposed that the actual charges of SpArC and also Ludlow Leisure Centre are obtained and brought to a future meeting. Seconded by Councillor Holton. Six in favour and it was duly resolved.
11. TO RECEIVE THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE PLAYING FIELDS WORKING    PARTY
a)  It was proposed by Councillor Stanley and seconded by Councillor Carroll and duly resolved to accept the recommendation for immediate work required.
b) It was proposed by Councillor Wright and seconded by Councillor Stanley and duly resolved to accept the recommendation for future ongoing maintenance.
12. THE PURCHASE OF LAND ON THE BUSINESS PARK
The clerk read out a letter from John Sankey regarding the purchase of land at the business park. It was reported that the recent scrutiny panel had said the offer from 2004 was no longer relevant and the whole site should be put nationally out to tender. It was thought that Shropshire Council has a moral and contractual obligation to Mr Sankey. It was proposed by Councillor Dr Penney and seconded by Councillor Stanley and duly resolved that the clerk write to Shropshire Council in the most strongest terms.
13. TO APPROVE THE STATEMENT OF TOWN COUNCIL POLICY
It was proposed by Councillor Dr Penney, seconded by Councillor Gaffney and duly resolved to approve the following statement;
“Bishop’s Castle Town Council is committed to the satisfactory upkeep of all the property in its possession: the Town Hall, the playing fields, the Old Market Place and other open spaces.

1. So that the public gains the fullest possible use and enjoyment from these assets both for the present and future.
2. So that the rich heritage of Bishop’s Castle is safeguarded for future generations.”

14. NEWSLETTER
a) Councillor Gaffney proposed to approve the newsletter with the following amendments to page 2  Under Pros Option 1 include
*Work is already in hand to repair the roof and install photovoltaic cells
*Funds for disabled access could be raised from other sources
Under Cons Option 1 amend to the following
*The lack of disabled access may cause the Council & Clerk to decide to move
Under Cons Option 2 amend:
The cost is estimated to be £600,000 - £700,000
Amend the heading of Option 3 to Do option 2 over a number of years.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Dr Penney and with seven votes for and 3 votes against it was duly resolved.

1. Councillor Hird proposed the newsletter be put onto the Town Council website with links to advertisers where appropriate. The advertisers will be positioned down the side of the newsletter and with the hyperlink should earn more income for the Town Council. The proposal would include producing fewer hard copies which will be distributed in places such as the post office. Councillor Carroll stated every household should still get a copy of the newsletter and Councillor Gaffney agreed that printing fewer copies may be a step that could be taken at a future date.

Councillor Hird amended his proposition to put the newsletter onto the website to include hyperlinks to advertisers where appropriate. Seconded by Councillor Gaffney and duly resolved.
15. TOWN HALL REGENERATION
Having declared a prejudicial interest Councillor Stanley left the meeting
a) Councillor Gaffney proposed the Town Council agree to pay up to £400 on the public consultation carried out by Bishop’s Castle Town Hall Regeneration Partnership. Seconded by Councillor Carroll and duly resolved.   
b) It was proposed by Councillor Gaffney, seconded by Councillor Dr Penney and duly resolved to put the Town Hall Regeneration Consultation questionnaire on the Town Council website.
Councillor Stanley rejoined the meeting
16. CONSULTATION ON NEW CHARTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SHROPSHIRE
Any comments should be given to the clerk before the end of March.

                   17. BISHOP’S CASTLE PARISH CHURCH ROAD CLOSURE APPLICATIONS

It was proposed by Councillor Magill, seconded by Councillor Dr Penney and duly resolved to support the road closure applications made by Bishop’s Castle Parish Church.

18. REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND SHOUTH SHROPSHIRE SPORTS & ADVISORY GROUP MEETINGS

Councillor Carroll proposed that Councillor Magill be appointed as the Town Council representative. Seconded by Councillor Hird and duly resolved.

19. SHROPSHIRE BUILDING PRESERVATION TRUST

It was proposed by Councillor Gaffney to subscribe to membership of Shropshire Building Preservation Trust. Seconded by Councillor Hird and duly resolved.

20. SALC TRAINING COURSES

It was proposed by Councillor Gaffney for Councillors Pinches and Carroll and the clerk to attend the SALC training course on Financial updates. Seconded by Councillor Magill and duly resolved.

21. TO INSTALL A BENCH ON LAND AT KERRY GREEN

It was proposed by Councillor Carroll to install a bench on the land at Kerry Green next to the hedge near to Grange Road. Seconded by Councillor Magill and duly resolved.

22.  CORRESPONDENCE

The correspondence list was noted.
 
There being no further business the mayor closed the meeting at 9.40pm